(I never ceased praying until I heard the news that the storm had passed and wouldn’t hit Cebu.)

Mandaue City Hall employee Joel Retruerto said although he was busy with his duties as part of the disaster team helping families evacate from their coastal homes, he found time to drop in the National Shrine of St. Joseph to light five candles, for the safety of his family and all Cebuanos.Correspondent Fe Marie Dumaboc